Vandalism, theft at Zandfontein cemetery reported
“Efforts for the police to conduct sector policing in the area where the cemetery is situated will be explored.”
Residents in the north of Pretoria complain that gravestones at the Zandfontein Cemetery in Andeon were being desecrated and looted.
“I find it very upsetting because there is an element of maliciousness to it,” said Claremont resident Wilma Smit.
“People would even rip off ribbons that we place on trees. This is an act of sabotage – nothing else.”
Ornaments and objects that people use to beautify graves and have often have sentimental and symbolic value are also being vandalised.
“We often find some of these stolen objects lying in other blocks of the cemetery that criminals left or lost as they were making their way back.”
Smit’s son was buried at the cemetery when he passed away at the age of 24 in 2017.
“Since then, my husband Willem and I, have been cleaning the neglected graves. He lost his job due to Covid and has been helping me ever since.
“Other residents merely approached me to clean their loved ones’ graves as well. They contribute to costs and pay me a small fee out of generosity.”
Mountain View resident Lanie van Rensburg, whose grandmother was also buried at the cemetery, has also been cleaning graves for some time.
“Municipal contractors sometimes cut grass and clean up the area; however, most of the time they can’t get around to everything, especially during the rainy season we have had.”
The municipality has since beefed up security, according to Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
“We appeal to the community in and around the cemetery to report any criminal behaviour to law-enforcement agencies such as the TMPD and local police.
He said they were looking into police patrols in the area as well.
Also, vandalism can be reported to staff who are at the cemetery over weekends.
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